This “Design of the Week” features Fitchburg’s “Syene Express”!
It’s full steam ahead with our Design of the Week: the Fitchburg Fire Department and their homage to the “Syene Express” railroad.
The concept was a group effort between Kevin Kelm and Andy Ott, both members of the Fitchburg Fire Department.
“The inspiration for the design was the train tracks behind our new Station 3 that opened up this year,” says Kelm, “and many years ago, Fitchburg had its own train station.”
Historical Photo Credit: Fitchburg Historical Society
The Chicago & North Western Railway (C&NW) had two lines that passed through Fitchburg. During World War II, traffic peaked, sending up to 40 trains through Fitchburg on a double-track line. These trains included passenger, freight, military equipment, troop, and prisoner-of-war trains. Eventually, the double-track line was reduced to a single track in the 1950s, before the line was abandoned entirely in the 1980s. Recently the line was restored, and a cement plant sporadically uses it during construction season.
The t-shirt design started out intending to be made into a challenge coin for the department. Many organizations carry similar membership coins or medallions, and they have also been used as rewards and recognition of special achievement.
“The original concept that was sketched out by Andy included both the engine and new station set in a Maltese cross,” explains Kelm. “Given the design was originally created for a challenge coin, it was thought that the station wouldn’t read very well when the design was reduced.” Kelm made the engine the focal point of the design.
The resulting collaboration created a unique hybrid machine, one that combines traits of a fire engine and a train engine. This challenge was accepted by illustrated by Excel artist Chris Gebrosky.
The distinctive locomotive pilot (or “cow plow” or “cattle catcher,” if you’re inclined) is mounted on the front of the firefighting apparatus as it races down the track with smoke billowing. It almost evokes the magical “Polar Express,” creating a wonderful salute to the local Fitchburg history.
“We had a great experience working with Excel Sportswear,” says Kelm. “The final design that is used for the t-shirts turned out really well,” he adds. “The extra detail put into the engine looks great. The process to produce the final design and printing it went smoothly, and any changes to the design were made in a timely manner.”
While the firefighters of Station 3 proudly wear their new shirts, the legacy of the “Syene Express” lives on thanks to the Fitchburg Fire Department.
Keep up with the latest news by following the Fitchburg Fire Department’s Facebook page.
Also, visit the Fitchburg Fire Department website to find their contact information and locations!
This “Design of the Week” features Fitchburg’s “Syene Express”!
It’s full steam ahead with our Design of the Week: the Fitchburg Fire Department and their homage to the “Syene Express” railroad.
The concept was a group effort between Kevin Kelm and Andy Ott, both members of the Fitchburg Fire Department.
“The inspiration for the design was the train tracks behind our new Station 3 that opened up this year,” says Kelm, “and many years ago, Fitchburg had its own train station.”
Historical Photo Credit: Fitchburg Historical Society
The Chicago & North Western Railway (C&NW) had two lines that passed through Fitchburg. During World War II, traffic peaked, sending up to 40 trains through Fitchburg on a double-track line. These trains included passenger, freight, military equipment, troop, and prisoner-of-war trains. Eventually, the double-track line was reduced to a single track in the 1950s, before the line was abandoned entirely in the 1980s. Recently the line was restored, and a cement plant sporadically uses it during construction season.
The t-shirt design started out intending to be made into a challenge coin for the department. Many organizations carry similar membership coins or medallions, and they have also been used as rewards and recognition of special achievement.
“The original concept that was sketched out by Andy included both the engine and new station set in a Maltese cross,” explains Kelm. “Given the design was originally created for a challenge coin, it was thought that the station wouldn’t read very well when the design was reduced.” Kelm made the engine the focal point of the design.
The resulting collaboration created a unique hybrid machine, one that combines traits of a fire engine and a train engine. This challenge was accepted by illustrated by Excel artist Chris Gebrosky.
The distinctive locomotive pilot (or “cow plow” or “cattle catcher,” if you’re inclined) is mounted on the front of the firefighting apparatus as it races down the track with smoke billowing. It almost evokes the magical “Polar Express,” creating a wonderful salute to the local Fitchburg history.
“We had a great experience working with Excel Sportswear,” says Kelm. “The final design that is used for the t-shirts turned out really well,” he adds. “The extra detail put into the engine looks great. The process to produce the final design and printing it went smoothly, and any changes to the design were made in a timely manner.”
